Main menu

Dallara will not build IndyCar aero kits for 2013

The Dallara chassis will get a makeover in 2013 when IndyCar design rules will allow for different aero packages. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Dallara has decided not to build an IndyCar aero kit for 2013 when car-design rules will allow for two different aero packages in the Izod IndyCar Series.

Andrea Toso, the head of research and development for Dallara's IndyCar project, told IndyCar.com that it would be cost- and time-prohibitive for the manufacturer with an Indianapolis base to build different kits.

Instead, Chevrolet, Honda, Lotus and perhaps other companies that IndyCar is talking to will build the kits that will make the Dallara cars different in appearance and performance. Teams will be limited to two different kinds of kits, but most figure to use the ones produced by the manufacturer that builds their engines.

“You have to be humble enough to provide the platform and let them play,” Toso said.

Toso said Dallara has been focused on producing parts for the car that debuts on March 25 in the street race in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Italian company also has Indianapolis 500 aero kits to complete.

IndyCar delayed the various aero kits until 2013 to give manufacturers more time and teams time to find money to pay for them. Each kit is to sell for $75,000.

IndyCar officials still haven't finalized or announced what parts of the car will be included in the aero kits. This year, all sidepods and engine covers are universal; the front and rear wings vary depending on the track configuration. Dallara is making all of those pieces.